Tennessee State Historic Hockey Team Close To Naming First-Ever Coach

The university says the head coach as a key hire for athletics since announcing the first ever HBCU hockey team last summer.

Last summer, Tennessee State University forged a new path when they announced their introduction of ice hockey, the first HBCU to ever do so. Now it’s being reported that TSU is just days away from announcing its first ever hockey coach.

In a tweet from the university’s X account (formerly known as Twitter), the team announced a Hockey Director of Operations and head coach were the next key hires for TSU athletics.

In response to the original post, The Tennessee State University Hockey account indicated the Director of Hockey Operations had been filled, with news on a head coach forthcoming in the next few days.

“#3 is already done … #4 is being posted in a few days,” the account noted.

TSU is currently the only HBCU across America to offer organized hockey at in level. The university announced in May 2021 that it would conduct a feasibility study to determine whether the school could start a Division I hockey program.

“The idea of establishing a collegiate hockey program at TSU is a tremendous opportunity as the nation’s first HBCU to take on this endeavor,” TSU President Glenda Glover said. “This allows us to expand the sport, increase diversity, and introduce a new fan base.”

Last February, Tennessee State athletics director Mikki Allen and Predators president and CEO Sean Henry announced a fundraising campaign to launch men’s and women’s hockey programs. The funding will go toward scholarships, an on-campus venue, equipment, travel, and other expenses.

To stay updated with TSU Hockey, follow their X account or visit their team website.